Take It To The Streets!

Fifth District Congressman John Lewis kicked off his reelection campaign Monday with two high-profile competitors up against the long-time legislator.

"I want to win, and I want to win big," Lewis said.

With those words, Lewis kicked off his campaign for re-election -- something that before this year has been a lethargic exercise at best, with few real opponents lining up to challenge him.

But with his initial support of Hillary Clinton in the presidential primary and his subsequent switch to Barack Obama's side, some thought Lewis might be vulnerable this time around. Indeed, nearly 80 percent of his district voted for Obama while he was still supporting Clinton.

But despite vocal criticism, Lewis still managed to turn that flip-flop into a positive. Several other super-delegates have now followed his lead which is perceived by many as courageous instead of disloyal or indecisive.

"It's gratifying to see people moving," Lewis said, "and I think in the next few days you're going to see even more uncommitted super-delegates making that commitment, making that jump. The end is near."

Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin, Lewis' campaign chairman back when he won the seat the first time in 1986, dismissed the chances of anyone unseating him this time around. State Senator Kassem Reid and Fulton County Chairman John Eaves also stood with Lewis as he addressed his supporters.

"Send me back to Washington!" Lewis exhorted the cheering crowd of about two hundred. "Send me back, and I will continue to fight for all of the people of this district! It doesn't matter if you're Black or White or Hispanic or Asian-American or Native American. We're one family; we're one people; we're one house!"

The congressman, who helped pave the way for Grady Hospital's non-profit status, says universal health care is one of his core issues along with the war.

"Send me back to Washington, and I will do what I can to put an end to the war and bring our young people home," Lewis said.

Lewis says his friendships with Senators Obama and Clinton could serve the party well if the two continue their battle into the convention this summer.

"I have a good relationship with them both. I'm going to do whatever I can to bring the two groups together," he said. "We're going to do it; we're going to do it soon. People are talking even now."

As for his own political battle, Lewis told the crowd that despite his accomplishments he's not a "plaque on the wall." And for competitors who are fond of reiterating the election mantra of change, Lewis told them that if they want a lesson in change, all they have to do is follow his footsteps through American history.

"I'm a doer. I'm a fighter," Lewis said. "So let's take it to the streets and fight!"

By Keith Whitney, 11Alive